Tighten security at Birsa Munda Bus Terminal, says RMC after fire incident

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) initiated a series of corrective measures at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Bus Terminal, aka Khadgarha Bus Stand, in Ward No. 12 following a recent incident of fire on the premises. Taking note of the seriousness of the incident, RMC officials carried out an inspection of the terminal and reviewed safety, security, and operational arrangements.Notably, TOI on Tuesday carried a story with the headline - Safety under lens after 6 buses caught fire at Khadgarha stand - highlighting the concerns raised by the operators and passengers over lack of basic safety and civic facilities at one of Ranchi's busiest transport hubs.Additional Administrator Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday conducted the inspection, and discussions focused on preventing the recurrence of such incidents and improving the overall management of the terminal.According to officials, directions were issued to ensure stricter monitoring of entry and exit points, regular patrolling by police, enforcement teams, and home guards, and action against substance abuse inside the terminal. Bus operators were instructed to keep parked buses locked and ensure that no unauthorised persons remained inside the vehicles.Addressing the issue of abandoned vehicles, Kumar said, “All condemned buses parked inside the terminal must be removed within 3 days. Failing this, the municipal corporation will initiate scrapping and impose penalties as per rules.”The civic body also ordered immediate repair of non-functional lights and the installation of additional lighting and CCTV cameras across the premises. Illegal vendors, stalls, and unauthorised shops operating inside the terminal are to be removed, officials said, adding that any form of illegal collection would not be tolerated.Fire safety preparedness was another key issue discussed, with officials stating that steps are being taken to ensure the availability of firefighting equipment and coordination with the fire services department.“The municipal corporation is committed to developing the Birsa Munda Bus Terminal as a safe, organised, and passenger-friendly transport hub,” Kumar added.